Name: Jonathan Hayden
Major: Theology
Hometown: Linton, Indiana
1. Why did you choose to earn your degree at SMWC?
An amalgamation of factors ultimately brought me to SMWC. It was not a single moment of “Eureka!”. Firstly, I was a distance runner in high school, so I was noticed by the cross country and track teams. Secondly, SMWC is heavily imbued with Roman Catholicism, and I am from a Catholic background, so I was invested in exploring the deeper roots of the spiritual life. Thirdly, it was relatively close to home, and I am not one for tedious expeditions. So, to summarize in a few words, I chose to earn my degree at SMWC because of practical and convenient circumstances that aligned with my spiritual life.
2. Why did you choose your major?
This has been a journey that is ineffable within a few sentences. I had originally chosen another major, one that I thought could provide me material benefits for the future, and I decided to minor in Theology on the side. The more I read and studied Theology and its adjacent fields, the more my conscience panged me with an importunate direction. A sort of impossible divide surfaced within me. I had to begin to sacrifice my original material goals and directions for the direction that kept nudging me to the theological field. This new way was not clear, and it certainly demanded the entirety of my values and aims. To keep things short, I followed the nudge. After a process of giving up old sacrifices and turning towards the more difficult path, I began to go through a series of psychological rebirths, and I knew my vocation was the theological direction. So far, it has been the best decision of my life.
3. What have you been involved in (student clubs and organizations, sports teams, etc.) during your time at SMWC?
How I am involved this year:
- Academic Support Student Coordinator
- Resident Assistant
- Men’s Cross Country
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes
What I have been involved in through my years at SMWC (but not currently):
- Student Admissions Ambassador
- Summer Resident Assistant
- C.A.M.P. at The Woods counselor
- SAAC Men’s Cross Country and Track Representative
- Psychology Club
- Campus Ministry
4. What is your favorite place on campus?
Undoubtedly, the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. It is a place for deep reverence and pensive reflection.
5. What is a favorite memory you have from your Woods experience?
I have always been enamored by the wonderful faculty here at The Woods. They are exceedingly cordial. My favorite memories were always in professors’ offices, talking for hours on end about abstract systems, theories and research in which they were interested. Since we are a liberal arts institution, I have taken a breadth of courses in different fields from Humanities to STEM (Theology all the way to Biology and Mathematics!) I can say with the utmost confidence that these faculty members are a special breed and give their hearts to students of all levels.
6. How do you plan to stay connected to SMWC after graduating?
The small size and hospitable environment made it easy to gain many connections here at The Woods. Through many faculty, staff and students, I intend to keep in use the resources provided in Rooney Library. The Career Center, LRC and Library are wonderful catalysts for research, career development, resume building and other academic endeavors. I intend to pursue graduate school for a master’s degree and Ph.D. in Philosophy/Theology. I intend to blossom into a professor, and I ultimately hope to synthesize philosophical thought, inspire future generations through ancient wisdom, teach them critical thinking and aid them in their explorations of the deepest depths of wonder.
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